SportAccord chief encouraging about Mahjong  

麻将加入智运会？ 主办方:秉持开放态度但须商讨

麻将能否加入世界智力精英运动会？世界体育总会主席海因·维尔布鲁根12日在北京表示，智力运动会的原则是开放包容，欢迎不同的运动参与，但同时希望能有相关国际组织参与协助制定规则。

Beijing (CNS) -- When asked Wednesday if Mahjong might ever be included in the World Mind Games, SportAccord president Hein Verbruggen said he hopes that international organizations will make proposals.

In principle, the World Mind Games are open and inclusive, and SportAccord is glad there are more games to be considered, said Verbruggen in Beijing. But as an international game, it needs discussion and proposals by relative organizations, he added.

Mahjong, which originated in China, has gained international popularity in recent years.

The SportAccord World Mind Games 2012 kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday. The event has attracted 152 competitors from 39 countries and regions.

The players will compete in five categories including Bridge, Chess, Go, Draughts and Xiang Qi (Chinese chess).